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A potential role for BDNF in recognition behavior revealed through knockout in zebrafish
Eleonora Rovegno1, Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato1, Salvatore D'Aniello2
1Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|April 30, 2026
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for learning and memory. Zebrafish lacking BDNF showed impaired recognition memory and reduced behavioral variability, suggesting BDNF
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is vital for learning and memory in mammals.
- Previous research indicates BDNF's role in learning deficits in mutant fish and individual learning differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of BDNF in recognition memory in zebrafish.
- To determine if BDNF influences behavioral responses in a novel object recognition test.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a BDNF knockout zebrafish model.
- Assessed larval zebrafish in a novel object recognition test.
Main Results:
- Zebrafish lacking BDNF exhibited lower recognition memory performance compared to controls.
- The absence of BDNF reduced behavioral variability towards novel stimuli.
- Individual differences in responses to novel stimuli were observed.
Conclusions:
- BDNF appears to play a role in recognition memory and associated behaviors in zebrafish.
- The precise mechanisms and contribution to memory processes require further investigation.
